The seven Indian nationals who were kidnapped in the Shwerif area on 14 September arrived in Buraiqa. This is after tribal sheikhs cooperated in securing their release, the Indian Foreign Ministry said on Monday.
It added that the Indian nationals are “in good health and are currently residing in the headquarters of the company in which they work in Buraiqa. They are waiting for the completion of necessary procedures to enable them return to India.”
The Indian authorities thanked the “Libyan authorities and tribal leaders,” for their “steadfast cooperation in securing the release of their citizens.” India also admitted the difficulty of the negotiations “due to the existence of two parallel governments” in Libya. Were it not for the help of local tribes to secure their release, the Indian authorities believe the release of their nationals would have been impossible.
Notably, the seven Indians worked for Al-Shola Al-Modea gas distribution company. They were kidnapped on their way to Tripoli’s Mitiga Airport to board a flight to India.
In September 2015, India issued travel advice to its citizens, calling on them to avoid traveling to Libya in light of the security situation. Later, in May 2016, the government imposed a complete travel ban, regardless of the purpose, due to the deteriorating situation. The travel ban remains in effect.